Tenerife Puerto de la Cruz 2017
Welcome to Tenerife The Atlantic island of Tenerife contains a wealth of different landscapes that can be visited on your Guided Walking holiday. Volcanic activity is the major force that has created the landscape with comparatively recent volcanic activity to be seen amongst the black sands of Las Arenas Negras. Richly contrasting landscapes await the visitor who walks the hiking trails of Tenerife. Most dramatic of all is the lunar scenery of the Teide National Park in the centre of the island at an altitude of 7,000ft. Rising above is the summit of Mount Teide itself, the highest mountain in the whole of Spain. The Anaga region in the northeast of the island, renowned for its laurel forests, affords spectacular views of steep sided valleys as they sweep to the sea. Here cave dwellings are still inhabited today. In contrast, the island s old capital, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, allows us to discover the island s colonial past. With its exquisite gardens, bays and promenade, Puerto de la Cruz is an ideal base for exploring the lush green valleys, forested escarpments and the astounding lunar scenery of the Teide National Park. Puerto de la Cruz is on the island s northern coast and was originally a fishing village. However, tourism and general economic development have enriched the town and it is now very prosperous. Despite this, fishing is still an important activity in the town and fishing boats can be seen in the harbour. This was the first resort to be developed on the island and was once the main tourist centre, but today many tourists seeking sun, sea and sand select the livelier resorts to be found in the south of the island. 2 Reservations - local rate 0345 470 7558 (standard rate 020 8732 1250)
Accommodation Hotel Sol Costa Atlantis Avenida Venezuela 15 38400 Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife Tel: 0034 912 76 47 47 The 4-star Sol Costa Atlantis Hotel has a commanding position overlooking the sea at the eastern side of Puerto de la Cruz, just a couple of minutes walk from the local shops, lively promenade and old town. This hotel offers a wonderful base from which to explore the varied landscapes of Tenerife. Bedrooms: There are 290 modern and elegant en-suite bedrooms. The bathrooms have a shower or bath and all rooms have heating/air conditioning, hairdryer, satellite television, telephone, safe deposit box (small charge) and free Wi-Fi. Tea and coffee making facilities are not provided in your bedroom but hot drinks can be purchased from the bar. Facilities: The main area for meeting fellow guests is a wide bright entrance hall with plenty of comfortable seating where you can relax and talk through the day s walks; there is also a lounge bar with live evening entertainment and a pool bar. Outside you will find a fresh water swimming pool where you can relax after a day s walking. On the top floor is a glass domed gym/ spa area with fantastic views of Mount Teide, where you can enjoy a wide range of treatments, a hydro thermal circuit, contrast showers, sauna, hammam and fitness area. There is an additional charge for these facilities, paid locally and hotel guests receive a discount. Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. Our hotel has a large dining room on the lower ground floor which opens onto a large terrace by the swimming pool. Breakfast: Breakfast is available from 8.00am until 10.00am and is an extensive hot and cold buffet with a show chef cooking omelettes to order. Evening meal: This hotel offers a buffet meal. There is always soup and salad for the first course. A selection of freshly griddled meat or fish is cooked to order by the show chef for the main course, along with potatoes and vegetables. For dessert there is a choice of cake, fruit or ice cream. The wide range of dishes should cover most dietary requirements. However, we recommend that you discuss any particular preferences with the Restaurant Manager at the start of your holiday. Lunch: It is possible to buy ingredients from local shops or on some days to eat at one of the local cafés; your leaders will advise you of the options. To book online visit www.hfholidays.co.uk 3
Holiday itinerary A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions that you may have. In Tenerife you ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. The cost of the transport to and from your walks each day is included in the cost of your holiday. Easier Walks: 5 to 8 miles (8-13km) on a variety of terrains with 1,200ft (360m) of ascent in a day. Harder Walks: 7 to 11 miles (11-17.5km) with some steep sections and up to 2,600ft (780m)of ascent. Please note that the itinerary outlined below is provisional and could be subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check our website. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk every evening about the next day s walks. Day 1: Arrival day On arrival at Puerto de la Cruz, you will have an opportunity to meet your fellow guests over an evening meal. Day 2: Miradors to the old and new capitals Easier Walk: This walk begins from the Mirador del Jardina in the northeast of the island overlooking the fertile Las Mercedes Valley, then following broad tracks along a ridge, descending to the UNESCO world heritage city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, the old capital of Tenerife, where we can see some of the highlights. 6 miles (9.5km) with 600ft (180m) of ascent and 1,400ft (420m) of descent. Harder Walk: The harder route leaves the ridge to ascend Pico de Cueva Blanca for 360 views, before continuing on a balcony path high above Santa Cruz, the new capital. Remember your camera as the views are stunning. 7 miles (11km) with 1,800ft (540m) of ascent and 2,600ft (780m) of descent. Day 3: Las Arenas Negras Easier Walk: The northwest of the island and the tiny village of San José de Los Llanos is the start of this walk. From the village, our route takes us through attractive woodland to emerge into an open volcanic area. The last eruption here was in 1706. This intriguing landscape is accentuated by the backdrop of black ash which sparkles in the bright sunlight and gives the area its name. The walk finishes in the lovely hamlet of Montaneta. 5 miles (8km) with 1,100ft (350m) of ascent. Harder Walk: We too will make our way from San José de Los Llanas through woodland and volcanic landscape to Montaneta before continuing on to San Juan del Reparo. Here we will meet our fellow walkers to transfer to the historic and uniquely located coastal town of Garachico. 8 miles (13km) with 1,300ft (400m) of ascent. Day 4: Teide and Las Cañadas Today we travel to the huge collapsed volcanic crater of Las Cañadas at the very heart of the island. Our journey takes us up the Orotava Valley to an altitude of over 6,500 feet (2,000 metres). This amazing landscape is dominated by El Teide, the highest mountain in Spain at 12,195 feet (3,718 metres). Another impressive feature is the Montaña de Guajara, the highest point on the crater rim. Both walks spend time looking around the visitor centre on the crater rim, and then cross the crater through an amazing lunar landscape of rocks and lava - a truly unforgettable experience. We also pass the Sanatorio, which is now used by park rangers, but was originally built inside the Teide crater in the 19th century because doctors believed that the climate of Teide was good for respiratory illnesses. 4 Reservations - local rate 0345 470 7558 (standard rate 020 8732 1250)
Easier Walk: Our route continues to the Parador and visitor centre. In the afternoon we visit the Roques de Garcia, close to the Parador. These intriguing rock formations include the Roque Cinchado (or finger of God ), the White Tower and the Cathedral. 6 miles (9.5km) with 400ft (120m) of ascent and 900ft (270m) of descent. Harder Walk: We follow the same route as the easier group to the Parador. After lunch we visit the Roques de Garcia, then walk around the rocks past the base of the Cathedral before ascending steeply back to the Parador. 8 miles (13km) with 900ft (270m) of ascent and 1,400ft (420m) of descent. Day 5: Free day Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include: Puerto de la Cruz is an attractive town in its own right with a blend of old and new architecture and pedestrian areas that allow for a relaxed exploration and a relaxing lunch. The Botanical Gardens have been used to acclimatise plants from around the world for introduction to Spain, and are home to a wide array of tropical and subtropical plants. Lago de Martianez is a large seawater swimming pool complex located on the waterfront at Puerto de la Cruz. Loro Parque is an attractive zoo and a major Tenerife attraction. It is home to an extensive parrot collection (over 300 types), together with dolphins, sea lions, penguins and a shark tunnel. Santa Cruz Easily reached by public transport, the bustling town of Santa Cruz is an interesting place to spend your free day. If you are interested in the history of the island, the Archaeological Museum and Military Museum are worth visiting. Local information website: www.tenerife.com Day 6: Along the coast to the black sand beaches Easier Walk: Following a coastal route in a protected natural area, this very varied walk has stunning coastal views, undulating barrancos, castles and a beautiful treelined promenade to reach Puerto de la Cruz and the hotel. 5 miles (8km) and 500ft (150m) of ascent. Harder Walk: Our walk begins in San Juan de Rambla. A scenic balcony path on the coast leads to the tiny hamlet of El Rosario, from where we begin our ascent to reach the dramatic Barranco Ruiz. We pass through rural communities to begin our descent through newly cultivated terraces back to San Juan de Rambla with its elegant church and square. After a short bus ride we then follow the coastal path used by the easier group back to Puerto. 10 miles (16km) with an ascent of 2,100ft (630m) of ascent. Day 7: Anaga Easier Walk: We travel east to the Anaga Peninsula were we begin our day at the visitor centre and Ermita at Cruz del Carmen. Initially our walk is on paths through the laurel forest for which the Anaga region is famous. Steep barrancos sweeping to the coast afford us stunning views and we will pass by Chinamada with its cave dwellings en route to the village of Las Carboneras where our easier walk ends. 5 miles (8km) with ascent of 600ft (180m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The harder route continues on from the easier walk to follow an old path crossing the Baranco de Taborno to reach the pretty village of Taborno, with its famous rock, for more wonderful views. 7 miles (11km) with ascent of 900ft (270m) of ascent. Day 8: Departure day In the evenings The friendly atmosphere of our Guided Walking holidays continues into the evening. We ll enjoy a leisurely meal and then you may also like to join your leader for an evening stroll, listen to local musicians, relax with a book in a quiet lounge or enjoy a drink at the bar with your fellow walkers talking about your day. To book online visit www.hfholidays.co.uk 5
Transfer information If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Tenerife South Airport. From the UK we offer flights from several airports which may arrive at different times. Please note that meals are not provided on most European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met in the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays leader. Your leader may be on the same flight as you or may arrive on another flight. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an HF Holidays sign. The onward journey to Puerto de la Cruz by coach takes approximately 1½ hours. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday without flight HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays transfer coach from Tenerife Airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays flights (provisional HF Holidays flight times can be found on www.hfholidays.co.uk or by calling (0)20 8732 1220). Cost per single journey is 24.50. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance Our Airport Taxi service operates at this resort, offering quick and easy transfers for guests booking their own flights. All prices are per taxi for single journeys, allowing you to mix and match different transfer options. From Tenerife South Airport by taxi transfer 95 per taxi single journey Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0)20 8732 1220 Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call 0800 083 8746 and quote HX031 or book online at www.holidayextras.co.uk/ hfholidays 6 Reservations - local rate 0345 470 7558 (standard rate 020 8732 1250)
Walking information Your walking leaders: HF Holidays leaders are a pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest en route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions for things that they might do differently are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied with any element of your holiday, our leaders are the best people to help. Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we may employ the services of a local interest guide who will accompany you on a walk to enrich and enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local interest guides have not been included in the price of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and we invite you to do this directly with the local guide. Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks. The map available for this area is Tenerife Tour & Trail 1:40,000. Maps can be obtained by mail order from The Map Shop, Tel: 0800 0854080 or visit www.themapshop.co.uk Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can take full responsibility for themselves. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. To book online visit www.hfholidays.co.uk 7
Walking safely We are committed to running our Guided Walking holidays in a safe manner and your co-operation with this is much appreciated. No outdoor activity can be 100% risk free; however, if you take sensible precautions and adhere to your leaders instructions, your holiday will be both safe and enjoyable. On the first evening of your holiday (dependent on arrival time), the leaders will give a short talk about safety on the walks we would ask everyone to attend. Walking as a group: Our leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and will show more caution over potential risks (such as bad or exceptionally hot weather) than an individual or couple might make on a private outing. Walks may be modified or cancelled following the leaders assessment of the day-to-day situation. Your leaders will refuse to accept any guest whose clothing, equipment, behaviour or walking ability is considered unsuitable, and where it could affect the safety and enjoyment of other guests on the proposed walk. It is your responsibility to follow the leader s guidelines, for the benefit and safety of the group as a whole. If you leave the group, then your leader will no longer have responsibility for you. For safety reasons, we stipulate a minimum party size of two guests in addition to the leader. First aid: In line with current practice, each leader carries a group first aid kit but is not able to supply any medication, including aspirin, paracetamol, antihistamines and antiseptic cream. Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry a minimum of two litres of water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. One good way of hydrating is to use a two litre hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be filled up from additional water sources as required. Your leader will inform you of the possibilities for replenishing your water during the walks. Your health: It is essential that you describe on your guest registration form any health condition or disability you may have. The leaders will treat this confidentially and may be able to take it into account on the walks; for example, by not delaying lunch if they know they have someone with diabetes in their party. EU citizens should ensure they have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) prior to their holiday. There can be problems with medical authorities and insurance companies if you cannot produce this when you require treatment details are available at dh.gov. uk/travellers EHIC cards have an expiry date please check yours is valid before you travel. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for pre-existing illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on 020 8732 1220 or email holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card. In Montenegro, there are reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK that allow free emergency treatment. In non urgent cases payment (normally in cash) 8 Reservations - local rate 0345 470 7558 (standard rate 020 8732 1250)
may be required. Further details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Turkey has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, and doctors generally expect payment in cash. Find out in advance if your insurance plan will make payments directly to providers or reimburse you later for overseas health expenditures. Money: Access to emergency money, preferably via a credit card, is very important as you never know when an emergency may arise. What to wear and bring To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Changeable weather is possible throughout the year, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities. Please note that some of our Atlantic island and Mediterranean destinations are also in mountainous areas and at high altitudes (up to 4,000ft). The temperatures can be as low as 0 C. You will need: comfortable outdoor clothing waterproof jacket and overtrousers ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles small rucksack water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses In addition to the above, the following are recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: walking boots spare pullover or fleece hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch You may also wish to consider bringing: walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents camera personal first aid kit Footwear: We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern approach shoes offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. Holiday tips Language: Spanish Currency: Euro Changing money: There are several ATM machines in Tenerife where you can obtain money. Electricity: 220 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK. Tap water: This is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets. Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number. To dial an UK number 0044 To dial a Spanish number 0034 To book online visit www.hfholidays.co.uk 9
Where next? If you enjoyed your holiday in Tenerife, we recommend our new holiday at La Gomera, a walker s paradise, a short ferry ride from Tenerife. Walk in the laurisilva forest and the Garajonay national park. Guided Trail holidays Discover a great sense of achievement on a Guided Trail holiday. We have a great collection of trails on famous routes and outstanding locations across Britain and Europe. Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoya longer holiday either two weeks of walking at one resort or by combining complementary holidays, such as Tavira on the Algarve coast and Ericeira, the Atlantic coast of Portugal. We arrange the transfers between the resorts so that you don t have to. See our brochure or website for more information. Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, on our Self-guided Walking holidays, in selected European destinations, you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes. Worldwide From Alaska to Australia our Worldwide Journeys invite you to explore world famous destinations, and some lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe. Cycling With a wealth of exciting European destinations, we have a range of guided and self-guided holidays to suit all abilities. We also offer guided cycling tours based at some of our UK Country Houses. If you prefer to plan your own itinerary, our UK Country House Escapes also cater for cyclists. Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga. Save on outdoor clothing From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests. Visit www.hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships to see the current offers. 10 Reservations - local rate 0345 470 7558 (standard rate 020 8732 1250)
About HF Holidays We have been organising outdoor holidays for over 100 years and we are the only holiday provider that is a co-operative. We are owned by our 36,000+ members and have no big corporate shareholders. Responsible tourism We have always been committed to acting as a responsible tour operator, and community is at the heart of everything we do. HF Holidays supports a range of projects helping to protect our environment and improving access to the countryside for future generations to enjoy. We support the work of the Ramblers, air ambulances, and mountain rescue teams. To find out more about our policy and commitment to the environment visit hfholidays.co.uk/responsibletourism On returning from your trip, we would like to hear your thoughts on any best practices that you observed and considered positive. Please email sarahdavis@hfholidays.co.uk Pathways Fund Last year guests donated 30,000 to our Pathways Fund. Find more information on our website hfholidays.co.uk/pathways Holiday feedback We value feedback from our guests. All holiday surveys are read by the team that plans our holidays and it plays a valuable part in helping us plan future holidays. If there is any information we have not provided that you feel would be useful for future guests, please do let us know. If we have your email address you will be sent a survey after your holiday; alternatively you can go to hfholidays.co.uk/ surveys Membership of HF Holidays If you have enjoyed your holiday and would like to help support our objectives, call 0345 470 7558 for details of membership (standard rate +44 (0)20 8732 1250). For the latest news and special offers register for our e-newsletter at hfholidays.co.uk/register Social media To book online visit www.hfholidays.co.uk 11
Contact details HF Holidays contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY www.hfholidays.co.uk Call For any questions before your holiday, we re here to help, so please contact us on: 0345 470 7558 (local rate) 00 44 (0)20 8732 1250 (from outside the UK) Monday-Friday 9am-7pm Email info@hfholidays.co.uk Emergency contact details In all instances during your holiday,your first point of contact should be our HF Holidays leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as above or: Friday 7pm to Monday 9am +44 (0)7918 737777